Two never before accessed trails in Black Star and Baker Canyons are now open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
The trail openings, a project between Orange County, CA Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, is part of the 2nd Annual Wilderness Celebration. Crews from the two groups and volunteers have worked for two months to make sure the trails would be accessible for the public.
The Silverado Creek Trail and the SilMod Trail have never been open before. They are located on about 3,000 acres within Black Star and Baker Canyons and provide access to those areas. The land is part of a 20,000 acre land grant made by the Irvine Co. two years ago.
“It’s new hiking, mountain biking and equestrian opportunities,” a spokesman said. “You can see geological formations and see the transition from coastal sage to chaparral. There are also lots of animals including raptors, bobcats and mule deer on the land.”
Opening the 2-mile SilMod Trail will also for the first time give equestrians access to the Cleveland National Forest. The trail follows a utility road and then turns to single track before meeting Black Star Canyon Road. It also provides a good view of Irvine Lake. The 1-mile Silverado Trail is a single track through coastal sage.
I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. My regular hiking companions have designated me the lead hiker, so I suppose that makes me the slowest Meanderthal. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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